Milton Keynes Marathon

Consistently ranked in the top 10 UK marathons, an AIMS/IAAF Grade A certified race, with BARR Gold accreditation for outstanding race management. Were blessed with a tremendous amount of natural beauty in Milton Keynes. Were also lucky to have a world-class system of cycle paths. We do our best to take advantage of those factors to give our runners a course thats interesting, inspiring, fun to run, fast and different from other marathons.The MK Half Marathon shares the same tree lined city boulevards before running through the lush Ouzel Valley following the beautiful, meandering River Ouzel onto first Walton Lake, one of the richest spots in Milton Keynes to enjoy wildlife, and then onto the very picturesque Caldecotte Lake and superb stadium finish.

Entry BenefitsAccurate chip timingPersonalised running number (entries before 28 March only)Great bespoke medalFinishers technical T-ShirtInstant results (and runner tracking)Crowd support & entertainment en routePlentiful Course Support – Water, Sports Drink, High5 Gels & 1st AidGoody bagAge Restriction:You must be at least 18 years old on race day to run the MK Marathon.You must be at least 17 years old on race day to run the MK Half MarathonYou must be at least 17 years old on race day to run the MK Marathon RelayYou must be at least 13 years old on race day to run the MK Rocket 5KNo age restriction for the Superhero Fun Run

The MK Marathon starts from one of our fabulous Milton Keynes landmarks, the stadiumMK. The first five miles are on wide roads and tree lined boulevards, giving runners a chance to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy some enthusiastic spectator support.The marathon route then continues through picturesque Woughton-on-the-Green and Woolstone parishes, where the half marathoners split from the full marathon course at mile seven.The marathon runners continue through the original Milton Keynes Village, renowned for it’s picture postcard thatched cottages and then on to enjoy the beauty of Willen Lake and the tranquility of the Peace Pagoda before looping back to join the meandering and historic grand union canal. The route will then take in St Andrews, a 13th Century church, before passing the Bradwell Windmill, built in 1810 at around mile 18.The route continues west to Bancroft where it passes the remains of an ancient Roman Villa. Runners will then head south, following the brook, passing the famous Concrete Cows and then Bradwell Abbey, built in the 14th century.The route follows the brook further south, through the fertile Loughton Valley Park, passing Lodge Lake and then Teardrop Lakes before heading back for a victory lap of the stadiumMK football pitch and that magical stadium finish!The majority of the race is run on good tarmac roads or smooth redway sections. Some sections will be on gravel paths. The finish around the football pitch is half redway and half artificial grass which can be a little slippery if wet.

SUNDAY: The Rocket 5K is the day before the main events and starts at 9am.MONDAY: The Marathon / Half / Relay all start at 10am. The Superhero Fun Run starts at 10:30.Race PacksIf you receive your race pack in the post then you are ready to run! Just pin on your number and go to the start.Rocket 5K – Runner numbers are not posted.Collect your runner number from Up & Running, Elder Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 1EN, from Sunday 29th April at 11am until Saturday 5th May at 5pm.If you were unable to collect your runner number from Up & Running, then go to the Race HQ, Wetherspoon Pub, 201 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes, MK9 1EA. The HQ will be open from 07:30.Marathon & Half MarathonIf you entered on or before 3rd April then your pack will be posted in the 3rd week of April.If you entered after 3rd April then you have 3 options…Collect your pack from Up & Running, Elder Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 1EN from Sunday 29th April at 11am until Saturday 5th May at 5pm. Up & Running will NOT be able to sort out any issues with posted packs.Collect your pack from Gate 5 of Stadium MK on Sunday 6th May between 12pm and 2pm.LAST RESORT: collect your race pack from Packet Collection, Gate 6, Stadium MK on Race Day. Please allow plenty of time as queues can be expected.Non-UK entries should collect their race pack (and any merchandise orders) from either Gate 5 of Stadium MK on Sunday 6th May between 12pm and 2pm, or Packet Collection, Gate 6, Stadium MK on Race Day.If your pack has not been delivered or is lost, then either go to Gate 5 of Stadium MK on Sunday 6th May between 12pm and 2pm, or go to Packet Collection, Gate 6, Stadium MK on Race Day.Marathon Relay – Runner numbers are not posted.Your team numbers and relay baton can ONLY be collected on Race Day from the Pre-Function Bar, which you can access via Gate 5 or 7 of Stadium MK between 08:00 and 09:15.Please do not use the hotel entrance.Superhero Fun Run – Runner numbers are not posted.Collect your runner number from Up & Running, Elder Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 1EN, from Sunday 29th April at 11am until Saturday 5th May at 5pm.If you were unable to collect your runner number from Up & Running, then either go to Gate 5 of Stadium MK on Sunday 6th May between 12pm and 2pm, or the Superhero Number Collection Desk in the Cow Shed Bar at the south end of the Stadium concourse on Race Day. Please use Gate 5 or 7.

Race day parking options…Stadium parking – 500 spacesPark n walk (located at the national bowl, mk5 8aa – approx. 30 minute walk) – 1000 spacesThis is a large event and we suggest you arrive before 8am to avoid congestionAnyone can book parking.Once you have paid you can come and go as you please.Parking will go on sale in January 2019 and you will be able to book your space on this page.Stadium parkingStadium parking enter the stadium area via grafton street mk1 1st and you will be directed to your parking area by event staff. Please bring a copy of your receipt with you.Park n walk parkingAt the national bowl, mk5 8aa. This is about a 30 minute walk to and from the stadium. The route to and from the stadium will be signed and marshaled.Disabled parkingThere are about 40 disabled parking bays at the stadium, which will be allocated to blue badge holders on a 1st come basis and the mk marathon have no control over these and spaces can’t be booked.Do not park in asdaThey have cameras and you will get a ticket if you park longer than 3 hours.Alternative parkingIf you have not booked vip stadium or park n walk then you should park considerately in the industrial areas surrounding the stadium, such as mk1 1lg and not in the parking areas of the nearby retail and trade outlets, or in areas signed as privately owned (such as granby trade park) where there is a risk of clamping.Travel informationStadiummk is situated at denbigh north, just off the a5, south of central Milton Keynes and just north of bletchley. For those familiar with mk’s grid road system the ground is on v6 grafton street on the junction with h9 groveway.Road closuresRoad closures will be in place from 6am in the surrounding roads. You can view the interactive map here: mkmarathon.Com/road-closuresBy trainBletchley station is approximately a 30 minute walk to/from the stadium. The stadium is sign posted from the station. Milton keynes central is a 45-60 minute walk. We suggest you share a taxi with other runners.Fenny Stafford is served by London midland trains to/from bletchley and all stations to/from bedford. The station is approximately a 20 minute walk from the stadium. The stadium is sign posted from the station.For train timetable information and to plan a journey contact national rail inquiries on 08457 48 49 50.By taxiHackney carriages charge a fixed fee of £9 from central Milton Keynes station to the stadium. Licensed private hire companies vary, but will likely be less than this.The three big licensed minicab companies in Milton Keynes are:Eezy: 01908 218218Raffles: 01908 222222Skyline: 01908 222111These are fully licensed and will show Milton Keynes minicab ‘blue’ plates to the rear of the vehicle. To use the services of a minicab a person must pre-book.

How does the race start work?All competitors are issued with a colour coded race number that reflects their estimated finish time. You should only start in the allocated colour zone. This will help prevent you going too quickly or slowly at the start. Race results are done by gun time; however your time starts when you pass under the gantry and over the chip mats so don’t worry if it takes a while to get through the start. Both your gun and chip time will appear in the results.What refreshments are provided en route?Milton keynes marathon330ml sports top water bottles will be available at approximately mile: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 and the finishOrange Isotonic sports drink in cups will be available at approximately mile: 9, 15 and 21High5 energy gel’s (may contain caffeine) will be available at mile 12 and 18Milton keynes half marathon330ml sports top water bottles will be available at approximately mile: 3, 6, 9, 12 and the finishOrange Isotonic sports drink in cups will be available at approximately mile: 9Will there be chip timing?Yes, the timing chip is inside the foam strips on the back of your runner number. You must not damage these or try to remove them from the back of the number otherwise you will not get a time. Is the course fully marshaled?Yes there are marshals at every junction to ensure you go the right way and to cheer you on.Are pace makers available on course?Half Marathon every 5 minutes from 1:30 to 2:15Full Marathon every 15 minutes from 3:00 to 5:15Is there a time limit on finishing the race?Rocket 5K – 45 minutes.Half Marathon time limit for the race is three and a quarter hours [ 3:15 ].Marathon time limit for the race is six and a half hours [ 6:30 ].We cannot guarantee that marshals, medical cover, drinks stations and road closures will be in place after this. Stadium MK will close at 5pm prompt.What time does the stadium open?The stadium will open at 8am Is there anywhere to leave my bags while I’m running?Yes, we offer a secure baggage area in the stadium arena. Please use gate 6. Securely attach the baggage label to your bag. Are there showers and changing facilities?There are no showers but there are changing facilities.What other facilities are at the stadium?You’ll find lots of activities and services at the stadium including our charity and retail partners, First Aid, food and drink, massage and physio, toilets, a help desk and a wide range of entertainment.Is entry for spectators into the stadium free?Yes, they can come and go as they please and do not need to bookAre dogs allowed in the stadium?No.What medical coverage will be provided?Comprehensive medical cover will be provided by St John Ambulance in accordance with England Athletics guidelines. However, if you feel unwell on the day or you’ve been ill during the previous week, we recommend that you don’t participate in the run.Are toilets available on the course?Yes, at every water stopCan I run in fancy dress?Yes, we would love to see people in fancy dress out on the course, but do practice in your costume before race day, you may find it hot or uncomfortable to run in.Can I take part in a wheelchair?Sorry, the course is considered unsuitable for wheelchairs.